Dear Class of 2008,    

As seniors, and from my perspective as your Guidance Counselor, allow me to share with you what I feel are your primary responsibilities towards making the most of your final year at Mount Carmel.

 First, maintain or improve your grades.  Most college applications are due prior to posting 1st trimester grades on your transcript.  Therefore, in many cases, the grades that you have earned, freshmen through junior year are the only grades that college admissions personnel use to determine the outcome of your application.  Such is the case for applications that are due in November and December.  However, for applications that are due late winter or early spring, your senior grades will be considered in your application outcome.  Furthermore, I have experienced several instances when a college admissions representative requests both my insight about you as a student, and requests a copy of your senior grades, particularly for those students who are on the “acceptance bubble.”  I have experienced several situations where a student’s senior-year grades were the determining factor in his acceptance or denial.  All colleges require a final transcript upon your high school graduation.  Colleges will rescind an offer of acceptance if you have not maintained the level of academic performance that you demonstrated prior to your acceptance.  

Second, actively research and explore your future educational options.  Your Family Connections account is a great tool to both help you search for colleges that are right for you, and to help you stay on top of all college application requirements including deadlines, personal statements, transcripts, and recommendations.  College application requirements differ from one application to the next.  This is not your parents’ responsibility!     

Third, apply for financial aid and actively search and apply for scholarships.  Regardless of your parents’ income, all students are encouraged to apply for federal aid via the U.S. Government’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Students and their parents cannot apply until January 1, 2008.  I recommend that you apply online at fafsa.ed.gov rather than on paper, as processing an online application takes approximately three days, whereas processing the paper application takes three to six weeks.  Federal funds are becoming increasingly sparse, so apply early as time is of the essence.  Beyond money that the government offers in the form of grants and loans, there are millions of dollars offered yearly in the form of private and commercial scholarships.  All scholarship opportunities will be posted on the Family Connections website as they are received and applications can be picked up in my office.

Fourth, strive to make healthy life decisions that represent yourself, your family, and Mount Carmel in the best possible way.  Remember, there are people at Mount Carmel, teachers, coaches, clergy, and myself, who are here to help.  Take advantage of our knowledge, life experience, and expertise.  No problem or concern is too large or too small.      

Good luck and enjoy the journey of your senior year!